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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* 

December 22, 2022 

Contact: [email protected]  

  

*Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions* 

* * 

*LANSING, Mich. —* Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Oakland University Board of Trustees, Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees, State Board of Education, Michigan Civil Service Commission, Natural Resources Trust Fund Board, Wayne County Airport Authority, Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority, Judicial Tenure Commission, Michigan Bean Commission, Michigan Board of Chiropractic, Data Collection Agency Governing Board, Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors, Mackinac Bridge Authority, Michigan Board of Massage Therapy, Michigan Board of Social Work, Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, and Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council. 

 

*Oakland University Board of Trustees* 

 

Mrs. Colleen Ochoa Peters, of Bloomfield Hills, is the founder of Meaningful Impact Consulting, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Oakland University and a Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University. Mrs. Peters is appointed for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring August 11, 2030. She succeeds Melissa Stolicker whose term has expired. 

 

Mr. Stefen J. Welch, of Detroit, is vice-president of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Detroit Pistons. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Oakland University and a Master of Community Development from the University of Detroit Mercy. Mr. Welch is appointed for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring August 11, 2030. He succeeds W. David Tull whose term has expired.  

 

Oakland University Board of Trustees governs and provides general supervision of the university, including control and direction of all expenditures from the institution's funds. The Board also appoints the university president as well as the secretary to the board and treasurer. 

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.* * 

 

*Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees* 

 

Matthew D. Johnson, of Marquette, is a manager of External Relations at Eagle Mine in Champion. Johnson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and his Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. Mr. Johnson is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2030. 

 

Monique Q. Wells, of Chelsea, is the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at DTE Energy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Education in Career and Technical Education from the University of Toledo. Mrs. Wells is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2030. She succeeds Brenda Ryan. 

 

The Board of Trustees is the governing body for Michigan Technological University. Among their responsibilities are the bylaws for the governing of the institution, fixing tuition rates and other fees and charges, appointing and removing personnel, determining compensation, conferring degrees, managing gifts, entering agreements, and acquiring and disposing of property. 

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.* * 

 

*State Board of Education* 

 

Marshall Bullock II, of Detroit, is a state senator representing District 4 in Detroit, Allen Park City Lincoln Park City, and Southgate City. Bullock is a graduate of Detroit Public Schools. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Bullock will be appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring January 1, 2029. He will succeed Jason Strayhorn who has resigned. 

 

The State Board of Education has leadership and general supervision over all public education, including adult education and instructional programs in state institutions, except as to institutions of higher education granting baccalaureate degrees, is vested in a state board of education. It serves as the general planning and coordinating body for all public education, including higher education, and shall advise the legislature as to the financial requirements in connection therewith. 

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.* * 

 

*Michigan Civil Service Commission* 

 

Gail M. Wilson, of Farmington Hills, is the Director of Human Resources & Compliance and HIPAA Privacy Officer at the Michigan Conference of Teamsters Welfare Fund. Wilson holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Law School and a Legum Magistra in Labor and Employment Law from Wayne State University.  Mrs. Wilson is appointed to represent Democrats, for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2030. She succeeds Janet McClelland whose term expires December 31, 2022. 

 

The Civil Service Commission is empowered by Article XI, Section 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 to classify all positions in the classified service according to their respective duties and responsibilities, fix rates of compensation for all classes of positions, and approve or disapprove disbursements for all personal services. The Commission also determines by competitive examination and performance exclusively on the basis of merit, efficiency, and fitness the qualifications of all candidates for positions in the classified service, makes rules and regulations covering all personnel transactions, and regulates all conditions of employment in the classified service. 

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

*Natural Resources Trust Fund Board* 

 

Christina MacInnes, of Beulah, is the president of Crystal Mountain Ski Resort. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in German from St. Lawrence University in New York. Mrs. MacInnes is appointed for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring October 1, 2026. She succeeds Samuel Cummings whose term has expired. 

 

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board oversees the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund (MNRTF) which has been in place since 1976. The Trust Fund provides financial assistance to local governments and the Department of Natural Resources to purchase land or rights in land for public recreation or protection of land because of its environmental importance or its scenic beauty.  It also assists in the appropriate development of land for public outdoor recreation. 

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

*Wayne County Airport Authority* 

 

Ms. Lisa R. Canada, of Royal Oak, is the political director at Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan – Flint. Ms. Canada is appointed for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring October 1, 2028. She succeeds Mark Ouimet whose term has expired.  

 

The Wayne County Airport Authority is responsible for the management and operation of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport - including the power to plan, promote, extend, maintain, acquire, purchase, construct, improve, repair, enlarge, and operate both airports. The Authority has established guidelines for competitive bidding of contracts, including provisions to ensure maximum participation of disadvantaged businesses, minority businesses, and other targeted business enterprises. 

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

*Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority* 

 

Nabih Ayad, of New Boston, is an attorney and has been in private practice at Ayad Law for 22 years. He received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Wayne State University and his Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law. Mr. Ayad is appointed for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring October 1, 2026. He succeeds Andy Doctoroff whose term has expired. 

 

The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA) is to plan, develop, and promote Detroit as a freight transportation and distribution hub for U.S. Midwest and Southwestern Ontario businesses and their customers and vendors, for the purpose of fostering economic growth in the City of Detroit, Wayne County, and the State of Michigan. 

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

*Judicial Tenure Commission* 

 

Mrs. Siham Jaafar is the President and CEO of 3D Consulting and Communications and the founder and executive producer of the nationally recognized Images and Perceptions Diversity Conference. She is the President of the Wayne County Dispute Resolution Center Board of Directors. Mrs. Jaafar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Communications from Wayne State University and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. She is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2025. *   * 

 

The Judicial Tenure Commission serves to promote the integrity of the judicial process and preserve public confidence in the courts. The Commission strives to hold state judges, magistrates, and referees accountable for their misconduct without jeopardizing or compromising the essential independence of the judiciary. 

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

*Michigan Bean Commission* 

 

Kevin Noffsinger, of Pinconning, is the owner/operator of Kevin Noffsinger Farms. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University in Agriculture Engineering. Mr. Noffsinger is reappointed to represent district 1, for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2025. 

 

Jessica Rader, of Lakeview, is a non-GMO specialist at Star of the West Milling Company. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. Ms. Rader is reappointed to represent district 7, for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2025. 

 

Chase Voelker, of Pigeon, is the sole proprietor of his farm in Pigeon. He is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Agribusiness Management. Mr. Voelkner is appointed to represent district 6, for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2025. He succeeds Ross Voelkner whose term has expired. 

 

The Michigan Bean Commission is headquartered in Frankenmuth, the heart of the growing area. The primary objectives of the Commission are research and promotion. There are more than 2,300 growers registered with the Michigan Bean Commission who are dedicated to bringing consumers the highest quality dry beans and are recognized worldwide as industry leaders. 

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

*Michigan Board of Chiropractic* 

 

Leslie M. Kohn, of Southfield, is an attorney and the owner of Law Office of Leslie Kohn PLLC. He received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University.  Mr. Kohn is appointed to represent the general public, for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2025. He succeeds Robert Maciolek whose term has expired. 

 

Richard Levine, D.C., of West Bloomfield, is a chiropractor at Levine Chiropractic clinic. He received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Levine is appointed to represent chiropractors, for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2026. He succeeds Leigh Elceser whose term has expired. 

 

Milton D. Lynes, D.C., of Portage, is a chiropractor and president of Austin Lake Chiropractic. He holds a bachelor’s degree in organic chemistry from Southwestern Michigan College and his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Lynes is appointed to represent chiropractors, for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2026. He succeeds Ryan Thornton whose term has expired. 

 

Mr. David S. Smith, of Waterford, is an insurance agent with State Farm, and is the owner of PlayAll LLC. He received his bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Illinois State University. Mr. Smith is appointed to represent the general public, for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2025. He succeeds Robyn Peake whose term has expired. 

 

Beau Taylor, of Sterling Heights, is the current Executive Director and CEO of the Public Lighting Authority of Detroit. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from Michigan State University, and Master of Business Administration from New York University. Mr. Taylor is reappointed to represent the general public, for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2025. 

 

The Michigan Board of Chiropractic ascertains minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifies continuing education during licensure. The Public Health Code defines the practice of chiropractic as the discipline within the healing arts that deals with the human nervous system and the musculoskeletal system and their interrelationship with other body systems. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.   

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

*Data Collection Agency Governing Board* 

 

Emily McDonough, of Williamston, is a deputy director with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Michigan State University and received her J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Ms. McDonough is reappointed for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2023. 

 

The Data Collection Agency Governing Board is responsible for the determination of workers' compensation data requirements for establishing workers' disability compensation insurance rates. 

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

 

*Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors* 

 

Mrs. Marlin Williams, of Detroit, is the founder of Marlin Williams Enterprises. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Wayne State University and a Master of Liberal Arts Studies from the University of Detroit Mercy. Mrs. Williams is reappointed to represent persons with knowledge, skills, and experience in the academic, business or financial fields, for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2025.  

 

The Michigan Education Trust (MET) is a qualified tuition program which provides tax exemption for the trust and tax exemption of earnings for contract participants who use MET funds to pay for qualified higher education expenses. The MET Board of Directors are responsible for policy development, investment initiatives, program development and implementation. The MET Board of Directors also serve as an advisory board for the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP). 

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

 

*Mackinac Bridge Authority* 

 

Mr. Patrick F. Gleason, of Davison, is a retired president and business agent for Michigan Iron Workers Local 25. He is also Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council member. He has served three full terms representing Democrats on the Mackinaw Bridge Authority.  Mr. Gleason is reappointed to represent Democrats, for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring June 30, 2028. 

 

The Mackinac Bridge Authority is committed to preserve and maintain the State of Michigan's single largest asset and one of the world's leading suspension bridges to provide safe, pleasurable, and expedient passage over the Straits of Mackinac for economic benefit and an improved quality of life. 

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

*Michigan Board of Massage Therapy* 

 

Nicole S. Johnson, of Okemos, is a massage therapist for Creative Wellness. She received her bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Michigan and her massage certification from Irene’s Myomassology Institute. Mrs. Johnson is appointed to represent massage therapists, for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Amelia Lipovsky who has resigned. 

 

The Michigan Board of Massage Therapy ascertains minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifies continuing education during licensure. The Public Health Code defines the practice of massage therapy as the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, and holding to the soft tissue of the human body in which the primary intent is to enhance or restore the health and well-being of the client. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. 

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

 

*Michigan Board of Social Work* 

 

Mr. Julian Diaz, of Birmingham, is a psychotherapist for Birmingham Maple Clinic. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. Mr. Diaz is reappointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in the practice of social work, for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2026. 

 

The Michigan Board of Social Worker registers social workers in Michigan. Social Work is the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to counseling or to helping an individual, family, group, or community to enhance or restore the capacity for social functioning and/or provide, obtain, or improve tangible social and health services. 

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

 

*Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee* 

 

Ijeoma N. Opara, of Westland, is assistant professor, attending physician, and clinician educator at Wayne State University School of Medicine. She is also Associate Program Director for Wayne State University School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine. She has a Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Opara is appointed to represent physicians, for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring October 1, 2024. She succeeds Barika M Butler-Quarles whose term has expired. 

 

Mr. Prakash Sanghvi, of Bloomfield Hills, is a family physician and owner for Sylvan Lake Family Practice. He received his medical degree from M.P. Shah Medical College. Dr. Sanghvi is appointed to represent physicians, for a term commencing December 22, 2022 and expiring October 1, 2024. He succeeds Jayne E. Courts whose term has expired. 

 

The Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee advises the Department of Health and Human Services on issues affecting prescription drug coverage for its various health care programs. The Committee shall recommend to the Department guidelines for prescription drugs covered in its various health care programs. 

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

*Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council* 

 

Frank E. Animikwam, of Harbor Springs, is the medical director and family medicine physician for the Citizen of The Little Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan, and a M.D. from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Dr. Animikwam is reappointed to represent residents of this state, including residents who represent the underserved or tribal communities, for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2025. 

 

Janice K. Lampman, of Midland is currently a disability consultant at Community Drive. She holds a Bachelor of Art in Psychology from Saginaw Valley University. Mrs. Lampman is appointed to represent parents or guardians of individuals with disabilities, for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Charles William Harrison Jr. whose term will expire December 31, 2022. 

 

Erica Coulston, of Bloomfield Hills is the President and Co-founder of Walk the Line to SCI Recovery Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Political Science from Western Michigan University. Mrs. Coulston is appointed to represent advocates of, and for, individuals with disabilities, for a term commencing January 1, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds succeeding Janice K. Lampman whose term will expire December 31, 2022. 

 

The Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council is charged with developing the state plan as provided in Section 704(a)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 USC 796c(a)(2). The Council may work with centers for independent living to coordinate services with public and private entities to improve services provided to individuals with disabilities and conduct resource development activities to support the Council and the provision of independent living services by centers for independent living.   

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

 

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